Rebuilding air tools - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

platinumLLC · 05-11-2009, 08:49 AM

Over the years I've collected some nail and staple guns that are just sitting on the shelves. Either because I bought a new one or it wasn't working properly. I know they need to be taken apart and cleaned and I was wondering what all is involved with rebuilding them so they are working close to new? For the most part is it just getting new o-rings and a good cleaning? I've taken my paslode impulse apart and cleaned it before and it was pretty simple design. I haven't taken any of my air tools apart yet but assume they are similar to the impulse. Also where do I buy o-rings and replacement parts for these guns? Does someone make a rebuild kit for guns? Thought I would take some time to see if I can get them back in good working condition and use for backups instead of just sitting on the shelf. Thanks for sharing your knowledge of air tools with me.

platinumLLC · 05-12-2009, 09:53 PM

So nobody rebuilds thier nail guns/staplers? I remember reading a thread where some guys said it wasn't worth their time but I have about 10 guns that I would like to rebuild and I figured if I took a morning to do it or maybe a friday afternoon it would pay for itself. I found a site that sells parts but they are pretty expensive. Not sure if replacing all the o-rings and seals will bring the guns back to like new condition or not. If it will just take a good cleaning and new seals I believe it would be worth it. Just looking for some advice from someone that has rebuild a gun before if new seals and a cleaning will bring it back to life or if it's a waste of time? Thanks

Rivers Edge · 05-13-2009, 12:22 AM

Platinum, I've rebuilt a couple of my Bostitch framers and they seem to work like brand new. It took 2-3 to get really confident with the rebuild process. Now it's a piece of cake. Take pictures as you take it apart it helps tremendously. FYI, genuine parts do make a difference IMHO. Good Luck

platinumLLC · 05-13-2009, 09:01 AM

Thanks Rivers Edge. I've taken my paslode impulse framer apart and cleaned it before so I'm not to worried about the others. I've rebuilt diesel engines before so this shouldn't be to hard. Just wondering what all I should replace, don't want to replace somethings and go to use it and find out I missed something else that I should have replaced. I found some websites that have drawings of all my tools and part numbers. And also wondering where is the best place to buy the parts and if someone sells a rebuild kit somewhere online. Thanks for your help.

Kgmz · 05-13-2009, 09:44 AM

Where do you buy your nails for these guns?

If you buy your nails from a contractors nail supply house, they will have or can get the parts. Most also have a repair service in house.

JonM · 05-13-2009, 11:34 AM

http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/

Rivers Edge · 05-14-2009, 12:24 AM

Platinum, I usually end up buying the repair kits off of Ebay. I have found a small local nail supplier with a great selection of parts and tools as well. As far as which parts to replace, I usually replace the head gasket anytime I replace the O-rings.
As far as anything else ask around or research it online. A trigger repair usually only takes about 5 min. Hope this helps. Oh, I also bought a small set of tools on clearance that I only use for tool repairs.

platinumLLC · 05-14-2009, 07:58 AM

Thanks Rivers Edge, I saw the kits on ebay but after doing some research They have an A kit and B kit. One is for the top end and one is for the bottom end from what I understand. I did find some kits for 40-50 bucks, doesn't say what all comes with them, just says rebuild kit. I'll do some more searching and see what I come up with for finding a rebuild kit.

Kgmz · 05-14-2009, 11:07 AM

What kind of guns are you rebuilding?

$40 to $50 is too much unless it includes a new trigger and all o-rings, gaskets, bumper, etc.

I can get a complete o-ring and gasket kit for Hitachi's and Bostich's for about $20or less. And a trigger kit which includes valve about $20 or less for it.

Rivers Edge · 05-15-2009, 12:29 AM

Kgmz, Where are you getting the kits so cheap ? If you don't mind me asking. The cheapest I've gotten one I think is $ 35.00 - $40.00 and that was a local guy. They also did not include a trigger valve that was an additional $ 20.00

These were all for my Bostitch guns. Haven't had to rebuild my Hitachi's or Senco's yet.

platinumLLC · 05-15-2009, 07:38 AM

I have a couple paslode 3200/50 S16 staplers, a hitatchi NV50AP cap guns, and a couple senco guns. I also have some other older guns but not worth sticking 50 bucks into to rebuild. In my opinion if I can fix a 250-300 dollar gun for around 40 bucks it is worth it. And for 20 bucks it's really worth it. And if I can get all the parts together and sit down one afternoon if I finish a job early or aren't busy and do a bunch of guns at the same time I believe it would be worth the money spent. It would pay for itself if one of the guns we are using breaks and I can keep working because I have a backup. I can't see throwing away a 250 dollar gun if it only takes 40 bucks and a half hour to make it work like new. Just need to find a place to find the kits at a good price. My local supply price is higher than the ones on ebay. Think they are trying to get me to buy new guns cause they said they can sell me a new gun and then I don't have to fix the old ones. I told them I just wanted some backup guns and wasn't going to spend a fortune on new guns to sit on the shelf. Thanks for your help guys

Rivers Edge · 05-16-2009, 01:06 AM

Platinum, my thoughts exactly. If you already own why not fix it. I actually prefer my older Bostitch framers over the new ones anyways. They seem to be balanced better. I search Ebay all of the time looking for more. But I am a tool whore and do have a tool buying addiction.